Tips about Resorts and Strollers

On our previous trip to Walt Disney World, our children were ages 2 and 4. We brought umbrella strollers for each of them. Before leaving, I sewed fabric covers over each of the plastic handles. The fabric was bright and since all four handles matched (the strollers did not), it was quite easy to retrieve both of them in the stroller parking areas. When the strollers were moved, the attendants always kept them together because they were obviously for the same family. The uglier and brighter the fabric you choose, the better -- they're easier to find and it's less likely that anyone would want to take them! - Julie

BEACH CLUB VILLAS - I just got back from a great four-night stay (my first) at the Beach Club Villas. We had a studio with fridge and microwave but I was very disappointed to see there were no real dishes to use. There were a few paper plates and bowls in the cabinet, and I was able to get plastic utensils, but this didn't help with anything needing to be microwaved. I had brought a few of those macaroni and cheese packets for late night snacks, not realizing that nothing is provided for actually USING the microwave. For those of you heading to a studio, keep this in mind and bring a little microwavable bowl with you, especially if you're planning to use it to cook instant oatmeal or that type of thing for the kids. - Amy Miles

EDITOR'S NOTE: EDITOR'S NOTE: Some readers have reported that housekeeping has delivered dishes on request, so if there's something you need, just ask! It can't hurt!

During our recent stay at the Dolphin, we arranged stroller rental through the Dolphin's concierge desk. The Dolphin arranges this through an outside service. The charge was $7 per day plus $10 delivery charge. We requested the stroller late one evening and it was delivered to the bell desk by 9 a.m. the next day. It was a nice Evenflow stroller with a canopy, a big storage area below the seat, and a cupholder. The stroller didn't fold up very small for the bus ride, but otherwise was a great convenience. When we checked out, we left the stroller with the bellman for return. - Greg Ross

Coronado Springs -At the Coronado Springs Resort, if you want to be assured a seat on the bus, do not go to the main entrance to catch the bus. Go to stop 2, which really is the first stop on the bus route. The main entrance stop is the last stop for the resort and during peak times, the bus is often full by the time it gets to the main entrance (since it has already stopped at three other bus stops). - Rebecca

ALL STAR MOVIES - If you stay at the All-Star Movies Resort, try to stay in the Mighty Ducks area. You are close to the buses for All-Star Music, which are less crowded, and you can choose either bus to return on. You can also choose either food court if one is too busy. The pool is close and not as crowded as the main pool. It is also quiet. The rooms facing the parking and trees are in the shady side of the building and are less expensive. - John Harman

We took two umbrella strollers on our last trip and wanted a way to keep them clean and together since we needed to check them as baggage. We bought a bag at a sporting goods store designed to hold a golf bag for about $10 on sale. Both umbrella strollers fit comfortably so one would be just fine. We even had room to stuff in a few souvenir sweat shirts. Custom stroller bags are available from some kid catalog places,but they can cost over $100. This is a much cheaper and easier option! - Diane

MAGIC KINGDOM - If you are using your own stroller to go to the Magic Kingdom take the Ferry Boat rather than the Monorail. You won't have to fold your stroller. Just stroll on and stroll off!!! - MyersFam1

When we think of strollers, most people think of toddlers. The strollers at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot are large enough to accomodate a 6 year old. (Unfortunately this is not true at Disney Springs.) The rental may seem expensive to some, but it is worth the parental sanity. Children 6 and younger are unable to keep up when you want to rush to the otherside of the park to make that priority seating reservation. The stroller can be a lifesaver. Plus when they are not in it, you have a place to keep all your treasures. - Kathy Donofrio

GRAND FLORIDIAN - My tip is to enjoy the fireworks from the boat launch dock at the Grand Floridian. We had just finished the truly remarkable key lime creme brulee at Narcoossee's and some of us just wandered up to the dock. The lights lowered, the voice came over the speaker: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS! And with the lagoon shimmering before us, we enjoyed the wonderful sight of Wishes -- with all the music, but without the crowds of Main Street. Personally, I also love being in the big crowd, but it was truly magical, and totally free! Just hop the monorail over to the Grand Floridian and follow the signs to the boat. It was a wonderful moment! - Judy

ALL RESORTS - If you need cash and hate paying those outrageous ATM fees, simply cash a personal check at the front desk. There is no charge for this service and they will cash up to $100 a day. - Bob and Kate Salazar

ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE - This one is a reminder that the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a must-see even if you're not staying there! On cool, overcast days, the animal viewing can be better than the Safari ride! Walk to the end of any floor, going toward the pool area, and go onto the outside staircase. Climb to the top floor. It's amazing! The Lodge lobby is not to be missed! You pick up a visitor's pass ("does not include swimming privileges") at the Security guard's checkpoint and you are free to explore. Because my kids consider AK a "half-day" park, the Lodge is a great teaser first. Or if you just don't have time or inclination to do AK this trip, a visit to the Lodge will make you feel like you've been to Africa!! - Natalie Lipman

I have a toddler and always rent the strollers at the parks. I bring a couple of binder clips or clothes pins to hold the theme park map onto the canopy of the stroller. The canopy is a nice flat surface and the map is always open and handy when you need to find a restroom for a potty-training toddler. It was a breeze wandering around knowing that the information is just a glance away. - Maria Stambaugh

You CAN rent strollers as well as wheelchairs at Disney Springs Guest Services! They are stored back behind the building out of sight... but they are definitely there to rent! Angie

Since there are no cup holders to speak of on the strollers, we purchased two souvenir cups ($4 each) filled with popcorn on Main Street. After they were emptied, we were able to fasten them to the stroller by undoing the pail-like handle and attaching it to the stroller handle. We also use them on our umbrella stroller and double jogger and can even fill them with ice to keep drinks cold longer. - Melissa Withers

FORT WILDERNESS - When we stay at the Fort Wilderness Resort, we arrange to have an hour-long carriage ride that starts at 8:30 p.m. We ask the carriage driver to find us a good spot to watch the "Wishes" fireworks show, and the driver takes us to a secluded area next to the lake. We have a great view of the show, plus it is so nice and peaceful to be all alone there and not crushed amongst thousands of people. - Darrin Brooks EDITOR'S NOTE: Carriage rides are generally 30 minutes long so if you want an hour you will need to book two consecutive reservations.